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What is Navy BDCP?

The Baccalaureate Degree Completion Program (BDCP) helps cover expenses while you attend an approved four-year college. Image: Navy Live

The U.S. Navy has ways to pay for most or all of your college education.

The Baccalaureate Degree Completion Program (BDCP) provides financial assistance to college students and graduates.

It allows students to complete a baccalaureate degree before getting commissioned as a Naval Officer.

While students complete their degrees they may have additional requirements or responsibilities to remain qualified for financial aid.

Eventually, students will attend the Navy Officer Candidate School (OCS) or Officer Development School (ODS) for military training.

Once you graduate and meet all the requirements, students earn commissioning as an Officer.

Though the financial aid provided through the Baccalaureate Degree Completion Program (BDCP) is technically a scholarship, you do have to “pay it back”.

The U.S. Navy asks students to pay back the financial assistance in years served in the military branch after completing their studies.

How much financial assistance do you receive?

The Navy Baccalaureate Degree Completion Program provides full pay and allowances during your studies.

However, you still need to pay for books and other school-related expenses.

There are additional financial rewards.

For example, if you make the Dean’s List during two consecutive semesters (or three consecutive quarters) you are eligible for a one-time advancement to the next higher pay grade based on the Navy pay scale.

Students of Navy BDCP earn standard sailor pay and standard benefits associated with serving the military.

However, your commitments to the Navy remain minor until you graduate from college and get commissioned as a Naval Officer.

Qualifications of Navy BDCP

Navy BDCP is one way to get assistance for a college education you might otherwise not be able to afford. Image: Wikimedia Commons

The Navy Baccalaureate Degree Completion Program (BDCP) is open to male and female applicants.

Regardless of your sex, you need to be a citizen of the United States.

High school students looking to attend college, current college students, or recent graduates should consider applying for the BDCP scholarship.

The financial assistance is also available to enlisted personnel of the Navy Reserve or other Reserve components.

Former NROTC members or service academy students that have received other forms of financial assistance are still eligible for the BDCP program.

You need to be at least 18 years of age by the time you apply.

The Navy requires applicants to meet the same physical fitness standards designated for every new recruit.

Though there are not a ton of service requirements while you are attending college, you will need to complete military training at the Officer Candidate School (OCS) or Officer Development School (ODS).

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